Neck of humerus

[Phloston]

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What's the difference between the anatomical and surgical necks of the humerus? More importantly, why is it that a fracture of the latter vs the former can cause axillary nerve injury?

 

[thehundredthone]

From what I remember the anatomical neck is just that, an anatomical area designated as the neck. The surgical neck is a common site of injury, and the axillary nerve passes behind it after emerging from the quadrangular space. A lot of anatomical landmarks may not always have clinical significance.

 

[MadMedic704]

From what I remember the anatomical neck is just that, an anatomical area designated as the neck. The surgical neck is a common site of injury, and the axillary nerve passes behind it after emerging from the quadrangular space. A lot of anatomical landmarks may not always have clinical significance.

Just to add a bit more detail. The anatomical neck is just distal to the head of the humerus. The surgical neck is just distal to the greater and lesser tuberosities. The Posterior Circumflex Humeral Artery also runs along the surgical neck with the Axillary artery.